Carte Routiere Officielle du territoire du Ruanda-Urundi.

Description

This official route map outlines the territories of Ruanda-Urundi, which are today’s countries of Rwanda and Burundi. It was published by the “Institut Géographique du Congo Belge” (Geographical Institute of the Belgian Congo) in 1956.

Ruanda-Urundi borders Uganda to the north, Tanganyika (now Tanzania) to the east, and the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) to the west. The map includes various topographical features such as lakes, rivers, and mountainous regions. Notable lakes include Lake Kivu in the west, along the border with the Belgian Congo, and Lake Tanganyika in the southwest.

The map is focused on the road network, with roads marked in red. Major roads connecting key towns and cities within Ruanda-Urundi are depicted. The map shows administrative regions and significant urban centers, such as Kigali in Rwanda and Usumbura (now Bujumbura) in Burundi. It includes a legend that explains the symbols used for roads, administrative boundaries, and other features.

This map might have been used for administrative purposes, planning, and perhaps by travelers and residents within Ruanda-Urundi during the Belgian colonial administration period.

Context is everything

In 1956, Ruanda-Urundi was still under Belgian administration as a United Nations Trust Territory, marking a significant period of political change and increasing nationalist movements in the region. Growing dissatisfaction with Belgian colonial rule, especially among the educated elites, fueled a desire for greater autonomy and self-determination.

The Belgian administration had deepened ethnic divisions between the Hutu and Tutsi, favoring the Tutsi minority in administrative and social positions, which contributed to escalating tensions. By the mid-1950s, these ethnic tensions had become more pronounced, with the Hutu majority beginning to push for more significant political representation and rights. Political movements and parties began to form, aiming to address ethnic inequalities and advocate for independence.

In Rwanda, for example, the creation of political organizations like the Hutu Emancipation Movement (PARMEHUTU) marked the beginning of organized political activism. In response to the growing unrest and international pressure to decolonize, the Belgian administration started recognizing the need for reform. It began to implement some administrative changes aimed at gradually preparing Ruanda-Urundi for self-governance. However, these reforms were often seen as insufficient and too slow by the local population.

The broader context of decolonization in Africa and pressure from the United Nations influenced developments in Ruanda-Urundi, with the global trend towards independence for African colonies providing additional impetus for local nationalist movements.